Updating firmware - Lenovo Flex System x280 X6, x480 X6, and x880 X6 Compute Node Types 7196 and 4258

Lenovo periodically makes UEFI code, IMM2 firmware, diagnostic firmware updates, and device driver updates available for the compute node. Provisioning is the set of actions that you take to update the firmware and device drivers and install the operating system. Several tools are available to help you update the firmware and device drivers in the provisioning process.

Attention: Installing the wrong firmware or device-driver update might cause the compute node to malfunction. Before you install a firmware or device-driver update, read any readme and change history files that are provided with the downloaded update. These files contain important information about the update and the procedure for installing the update, including any special procedure for updating from an early firmware or device-driver version to the latest version.

Notes:

If you update firmware using UpdateXpress System Packs (UXSP), when you upgrade the firmware for the compute nodes operating as a single partition, you only have to upgrade the primary compute node. The firmware on the secondary compute nodes is automatically updated.
If you update firmware in a scalable partition using Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator, you only have to upgrade each primary node. The firmware on the secondary compute nodes is automatically updated.
If you are using a compute node that came with the Ethernet LAN-on-motherboard (LOM) controller integrated on the system board, you can find the device drivers at http://www.emulex.com/downloads/ibm/vfa-software-kits.html.
Follow the instructions in the readme file that comes with the firmware update.

Lenovo XClarity Administrator

If a Lenovo XClarity Administrator is available, you can download, install, and manage firmware updates for managed endpoints, including chassis, compute nodes, and I/O modules. You can assign compliance policies to the managed endpoints to ensure that firmware on those endpoints remains compliant.

Note: Firmware updates can be applied to the hardware only. You cannot update device drivers using the Lenovo XClarity Administrator.

For more information about the Lenovo XClarity Administrator, see the Lenovo XClarity Administrator information page.
Flex System Manager Update Manager

Flex System Manager Update Manager (if installed) acquires, installs, and manages firmware and device driver updates and monitors your compute nodes to ensure that they remain current. For more information about Flex System Manager Update Manager, see Updating firmware and software for the Flex System Manager.
UpdateXpress System Packs

UpdateXpress System Packs (UXSP) contain an integration-tested bundle of online, updateable firmware and device drivers for your compute node. The Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator uses UpdateXpress System Packs to update the firmware and device drivers.

Typically, use UpdateXpress System Packs to update firmware and devices drivers for a compute node that has previously been provisioned. For more information about UpdateXpress System Packs, see the UpdateXpress website.
Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator

You can use Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator to create bootable media that is suitable for applying firmware updates and running preboot diagnostics. Using Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator, you can create a single bootable image on supported media (such as CD, DVD, ISO image, USB flash drive, or set of PXE files) that bundles multiple Lenovo Flex System tools and updates from UpdateXpress System Packs, which contain Windows and Linux firmware updates.

Typically, use Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator for the initial setup of a compute node. For more information about the Bootable Media Creator, see the Bootable Media Creator (BoMC) for Lenovo x86 servers website.

To provision a compute node with updated firmware and device drivers by using Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator and the Flex System Manager management software, complete the following steps:
1. Download Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator to a computer that is connected over the management network to the Flex System Manager management software that is managing the compute node.
2. Create the bootable media of firmware and device driver updates.
3. Connect to the Flex System Manager management software that is managing the Lenovo Flex System chassis in which the compute node is installed.
4. From Lenovo Flex System Manager Chassis Manager, select the compute node. In the Actions column, select Remote Control.
  Note: The user ID that you use to log in to Flex System Manager management software must have sufficient user permissions to manage the compute node.
5. From the Remote Control session, mount the bootable media (using Remote Media).
6. Start the compute node to boot the media and install the updates.
Integrated management module II (IMM2)

You can use IMM2 to update some types of compute node firmware. For more information about the IMM2, see the Integrated Management Module II User’s Guide .

Important: To avoid problems and to maintain system performance, always make sure that the UEFI code, IMM2 firmware, and diagnostic firmware levels are consistent in all compute nodes in the Lenovo Flex System chassis.

For additional information about updating firmware and device drivers, see UEFI Compliant Firmware on System x® and BladeCenter® Servers and the Flex System Quick start guides, andthe Flex System Firmware Update Guides (an ID is required to access this content).

Updating firmware and device drivers